In the packaging and labeling market, mechanical (or die-cut) cutting is very suitable for high-volume standard products. Innovation is a key differentiating factor, and companies try to design new ways to package their products. This innovative trend means that the shape and size of packaging labels will change regularly, and new materials are being used, so the packaging industry needs flexible tools. Lasers provide this flexibility.

Labels are made of different materials, such as paper, plastic, or a combination of the two. These materials absorb light in different ways. In the market where paper labels are the dominant product, 10.6µm lasers will be more popular than other wavelengths. The power of 10.6μm wavelength laser is also 10% higher than that of 10.2μm wavelength laser. On the other hand, if the label is mainly made of a combination of plastics (PP, PET, etc.), the 10.2μm wavelength is preferred. Some original equipment manufacturers prefer micron wavelengths in order to provide their customers with greater cutting flexibility.

Another key factor is the stability of the laser. The label material consists of 3 layers: the carrier or substrate, the adhesive and the "sticker" itself. To produce labels, manufacturers use a kiss-cut process: the laser must cut the sticker and adhesive without damaging the carrier material.

For a given label shape when cutting paper, the laser is usually used with a high duty cycle, and when cutting PP, the laser is used with a lower duty cycle. Having a stable laser across the entire power range allows manufacturers to control the depth of cut and thus the quality of the label.

For a given label shape when cutting paper, the laser is usually used with a high duty cycle, and when cutting PP, the laser is used with a lower duty cycle. Having a stable laser across the entire power range allows manufacturers to control the depth of cut and thus the quality of the label.